“We have had an immensely busy year and we are very proud the charity is supporting ever increasing numbers of lonely older people in Scotland. There is always more we can do and we are committed to continuing to grow our network of volunteers and guests in 2015.”

Contact the Elderly offers support to those aged 75 and over who live alone offering them a social lifeline in their local area. The free tea parties take place one Sunday afternoon a month and guests enjoy the company of their peers, as well as the volunteers.

Thirteen new groups started in 2014 and the charity is aiming for a further 8 groups in 2015.

Valerie added:

“Social isolation in our older population is a very serious issue and one that is only set to get worse with an ageing population. What we do is very simple and informal but has an enormous impact on the health and wellbeing of our guests – our volunteers also thoroughly enjoy their experience.”